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Patent 2177446 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2177446
(54) English Title: ELECTRICAL DEVICE HAVING ADJUSTABLE CLAMPING MECHANISM
(54) French Title: DISPOSITIF ELECTRIQUE A SERRE-FILS REGLABLE
Status: Expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • H01R 13/58 (2006.01)
  • H01R 13/595 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • LUTZ, DAVID L. (United States of America)
  • SANDOR, JOHN L. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • HUBBELL INCORPORATED (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • HUBBELL INCORPORATED (United States of America)
(74) Agent: FINLAYSON & SINGLEHURST
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2008-08-05
(22) Filed Date: 1996-05-27
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 1996-12-08
Examination requested: 2003-04-07
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
08/480,808 United States of America 1995-06-07

Abstracts

English Abstract

An electrical device in the form of an electrical connector includes a main body having an axial passage for receiving an electrical cord and a fixed jaw extending from the upper face of the main body. A movable jaw is connected to the fixed jaw by a plurality of screws for applying clamping forces to an electrical cord between the jaws. A movable clamping device is carried by either the fixed or movable jaw and is axially and rotationally movable from a first retracted position to an extended position into the passage between the jaw. Movement of the movable clamping device enables the connector to clamp different size electrical cords.


French Abstract

Un dispositif électrique sous la forme d'un connecteur électrique comprend un corps principal présentant un passage axial destiné à recevoir un cordon électrique et une mâchoire fixe s'étendant depuis la face supérieure du corps principal. Une mâchoire mobile est reliée à la mâchoire fixe au moyen d'un certain nombre de vis pour appliquer des forces de serrage à un cordon électrique entre les mâchoires. Un serre-fils mobile est porté par la mâchoire fixe ou mobile et est déplaçable axialement et en rotation d'une première position rétractée vers une position étendue dans le passage entre la mâchoire. Le déplacement du serre-fils mobile permet au connecteur de serrer des cordons électriques de différentes tailles.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.




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WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electrical wiring device comprising:

a main body having an outer wall and an inner wall
having a first clamping surface;

a movable clamping jaw having a second clamping
surface opposing said first clamping surface defining an
axial passage and being movable with respect to said first
clamping surface;

said main body having a bore extending radially from
said outer wall to said inner wall;

movable clamping means, disposed in said bore, for
selectively clamping an electrical cable against said
second clamping surface;

said bore including an axial face facing said axial
passage, said axial face including a plurality of first
recesses having a first depth and a plurality of second
recesses circumferentially spaced from said first recesses
and having a second depth less than said first depth,

a plurality of projecting keys extending from said
movable clamping means, said projecting keys being received
in said first recesses when said movable clamping means is
in a first retracted position and said projecting keys
being received in said. second recess when said movable
clamping means is in a second position projecting into said
axial passage.

2. The electrical wiring device of claim 1, wherein



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said movable clamping means includes a first axial face facing said axial
passage,
a second axial face opposite said first axial face, and an annular collar
extending
radially outward adjacent said first axial face.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said bore includes

a first portion adjacent said axial passage dimensioned for receiving said
annular
collar, and

a second portion dimensioned for receiving said clamping mens, said first and
second portions being separated by said axial face of said bore.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein

said first recesses have a depth to receive said projecting keys so that said
annular
collar engages said axial face when said movable clamping means is in said
retracted
position.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein

said second recesses have a depth to receive said projecting keys so that said

annular collar is spaced from said axial face of said bore when said movable
clamping
means is in said second extended position.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein

said first recess in said axial face is circumferentially spaced from said
second
recess.



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7. The device of claim 1, wherein

said projecting keys include an inclined camming surface and said first recess

includes an inclined surface for mating with said camming surface.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein

said annular collar includes a projecting stop member, and

said bore includes an arcuate recess for receiving said stop member and for
providing limited rotational and axial movement of said movable clamping means
in said
bore.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein

said arcuate recess includes a detent at opposite ends thereof for receiving
said
stop member in a snap fit relationship when said clamping means is in said
first and
second positions.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein

said annular collar includes a first annular ridge extending axially from said
axial
face.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein

said first annular ridge includes a first pair of arcuate recesses disposed on

opposite sides of said first annular ridge and having a first radius for
engaging a first
cord when said movable clamping means is in said first retracted position, and



-17-


a second pair of arcuate recesses disposed on opposite sides of said first
annular
ridge radially spaced from said first arcuate recesses and having a second
radius for
engaging a second cord when said movable clamping means is in said second
extended
position.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein

said clamping means comprises three radially spaced-apart projecting keys, and

said bore includes three radially spaced-apart first and second recesses for
receiving said projecting keys.

13. The device of claim 2, wherein

said second axial face of said clamping means includes a slot for receiving a
tool.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein

said movable clamping means comprises a second annular ridge extending axially

from said first axial face for engaging a cable, said second annular ridge
being spaced
inwardly from and concentric to said first annular ridge.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein

said movable clamping jaw includes a plurality of ribs for engaging an
electrical
cable, each of said ribs include an arcuate face, and wherein each of said
arcuate faces
have a different radius for gripping different size electrical cables.



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16. An electrical cord clamp comprising:

a main body having an outer wall and an inner wall, said
inner wall defining an axial passage for receiving an electrical
cord, and having a first clamping surface;

a movable clamping jaw having a second clamping surface
opposing said first clamping surface and being movable
perpendicular to said axial passage;

connecting means for connecting said movable clamping jaw
to said main body and for applying clamping pressure to an
electrical cord passing through said axial passage;

said main body having a bore extending radially from said
outer wall to said inner wall;

clamping means, disposed in said radial bore and being
axially and rotationally movable therein from a first retracted
position to a second extended position projecting from said
clamping face into said axial passage;

said clamping means having a first axial face for engaging
a cord in said axial passage and a second axial face opposite
said first axial face;

an annular collar extending radially from said clamping
means adjacent said first axial face;

at least one projecting key extending axially from said
annular collar toward said second axial face;

said bore including an axial face spaced from said axial
passage, said axial face having a plurality of first



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recesses in said axial face for receiving said projecting key
when said clamping means is in said first retracted position, and
a plurality of second recesses in said axial face
circumferentially spaced from said first recesses, for receiving
said projecting key when said clamping means is in said second
extended position with said first axial face extending radially
into said axial passage;

said clamping means and second clamping surface engaging a
large diameter cord when said clamping means is in said first
retracted position and said clamping means and said clamping jaw
engaging a smaller diameter cord when said clamping means is in
said second extended position.

17. The clamp of claim 16, wherein

said bore has a first portion adjacent said axial
passage dimensioned for receiving said annular collar, and
a second portion dimensioned for receiving said clamping
means, said first and second portions being separated by
said axial face.

18. The clamp of claim 16, wherein

said at least one first recess has a depth to receive
said projecting key so that said annular collar engages
said axial face of said bore, and

said at least one second recess is radially spaced
from said first recess and has a depth to receive said
projecting key so that said annular collar is spaced from
said axial face of said bore.

19. The clamp of claim 16, wherein



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said projecting key includes an inclined camming surface and
said first recess includes an inclined surface for mating with said
camming surface.

20. The clamp of claim 16, wherein
said annular collar includes a projecting stop member, and
said bore includes an arcuate recess for receiving said stop member
and for providing limited axial movement of said clamping means in
said bore.

21. The clamp of claim 20, wherein
said arcuate recess includes a detent at opposite ends thereof
for receiving said stop member in a snap fit relationship when said
clamping means is in said first and second position.



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22. An electrical cord clamp comprising:
a main body having an outer wall and an inner wall, said inner
wall defining an axial passage for receiving an electrical cord,
and having a first clamping surface;

a movable clamping jaw having a second clamping surface
opposing said first clamping surface and being movable
perpendicular to said axial passage;

connecting means for connecting said movable clamping jaw to
said main body and for applying clamping pressure to an electrical
cord passing through said axial passage;

said main body having a bore extending radially from said
outer wall to said inner wall;

clamping means, disposed in said radial bore and being axially
and rotationally movable therein from a first retracted position to
a second extended position projecting from said clamping face into
said axial passage;

said clamping means having a first axial face for engaging a
cord in said axial passage and a second axial face opposite said
first axial face;

an annular collar extending radially from said clamping means
adjacent said first axial face;

said annular collar including a first annular ridge extending
axially from said axial face, said annular ridge including a first
pair of arcuate recesses disposed on opposite sides of said annular
ridge and having a first radius of curvature for engaging a first
electrical cord when said clamping means is in said second
position;



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a second pair of arcuate recesses disposed on opposite sides
of said first annular ridge and having a second radius of curvature
for engaging a second cord when said clamping means is in said
second position;

at least one projecting key extending axially from said
annular collar towards said second axial face;

said bore including an axial face spaced from said axial
passage, said axial face having at least one first recess for
receiving said projecting key when said clamping means is in said
first retracted position, and at least one second recess, for
receiving said projecting key when said clamping means is in said
second extended position with said axial face extending radially
into said axial passage; and

said clamping means and second clamping surface engaging a
large diameter cord when said clamping means is in said first
retracted position and said clamping means and said clamping jaw
engaging a smaller diameter cord when said clamping means is in
said second extended position.

23. The clamp of claim 16, wherein

said clamping means comprises three radially spaced-apart
projecting keys, and

said bore includes three radially spaced-apart first and
second recesses for receiving said projecting keys.

24. The clamp of claim 16, wherein

said second axial face of said clamping means includes a slot
for receiving a tool.



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25. The clamp of claim 22, wherein

said clamping means comprises a second annular ridge extending
axially from said first axial face for engaging a cable, said
second annular ridge being spaced inwardly from and concentric to
said first annular ridge.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02177446 2004-04-27

ELECTRICAL DEVICE HAVING ADJUSTABLE
CLAMPING MECHANISM

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical device
and, in particular, an electrical wire connector which
includes a clamping mechanism for coupling electrical cords
of varying.diameters in the device. More particularly, the
invention is directed to an electrical cord clamping
mechanism having axial and rotational movement for clamping
large of small diameter electrical cords.

Background of the Invention
Electrical devices and connectors typically include a
cord clamp for securing the electrical cord in place. One
example of a conventional cord clamp includes a pair of
clamping jaws where one jaw is movable with respect to the
other. A coupling device, such as a screw, extends through
the movable jaw and into the other jaw. In this manner,
the relative position of the jaws to each other can be


~ . .
2177446
-2-

adjusted to clamp a cord in place and prevent rotational --
and axial movement of the cord within the device.
Most electrical devices and cord clamps are
manufactured for a single size of electrical cord.
However, there are many instances where smaller than
standard size cables are desired so that the cord clamping
mechanism is not able to effectively grip the cord. Thus,
in many instances it is desirable to have an electrical
device or connector that is able to accommodate different
size electrical cords. Many of the electrical devices
currently available are not able to effectively accommodate
different size electrical conductors.
One type of device for clamping different sizes of
electrical cords includes a fixed clamping jaw and movable
clamping jaw biased toward each other where one of the jaws
include a recess to receive an insert to reduce the inner
dimension of the device. Although this device is able to
clamp different sizes of electrical cable, the insert must
be removed before clamping a standard size cord. It is
generally necessary to disassemble the jaws to be able to
remove the insert thereby increasing the time and effort of
the user. Failure to remove the inset can result in damage
to the electrical cord or connector. An additional
disadvantage of the insert is that once removed, the ilnsert
is easily lost thereby precluding the subsequent clamping
of smaller cords. An example of this type of electrical
device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,784,961 to
Gartland et al.
Examples of other types of cord clamps are disclosed
in U.S. Patent No. 2,577,748 to Gillespie, U.S. Patent No.
3,402,382 to DeTar, U.S. Patent No. 3,437,980 to Smith,
U.S. Patent No. 3,865,461 to Ludwig, U.S. Patent No.
4,080,036 to Hagel, U.S. Patent No. 4,169,572 to Simon,
U.S. Patent No. 4,178,056 to Lee, U.S. Patent No. 4,213,667


CA 02177446 2004-04-27

_ 3 _

to Wittes, U.S. Patent No. 4,419,537 to Leep et al, U.S.
Patent No. 5,021,006 to Fargeaud et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,354,213
to Hoffman, U.S. Patent No. 5,217,389 to MacKay et al, and German
Patent 497811.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the art for a
cable clamping mechanism for accommodating different size
electrical cables.

Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, this_invention seeks to provide an electrical
device that is able to clamp electrical cords, cables or conduits
of different size.
Further, the invention seeks to provide an electrical device
having a minimal number of moving parts.
Still further, the invention seeks to provide an electrical
device having a projecting clamping member that is axially and
rotationally movable from a retracted position for clamping
standard size cables to an extended position for clamping small
cables.
Still further, the invention seeks to provide an electrical
device that is able to clamp electrical cords, cables or conduits
of different size without the use of inserts or removable
spacers.
Yet further, the invention seeks to provide an electrical
connector that is easily adjustable to accept different size
electrical cables.
Basically, the invention provides in one aspect an
electrical wiring device comprising a main body having an outer
wall and an inner wall having a first clamping surface. A
movable clamping jaw has a second clamping surface opposing the
first clamping surface defining an axial passage and being
movable with respect to the first clamping surface. The main

I
CA 02177446 2004-04-27

- 4 -

body has a bore extending radially from the outer wall to the
inner wall; and movable clampingmeans, disposed in the bore, is
provided for selectively clamping an electrical cable against the
second clamping surface. The bore includes an axial face facing
the axial passage, the axial face including a plurality of first
recesses having a first depth and a plurality of second recesses
circumferentially spaced from the first recesses and having a
second depth. A plurality of projecting keys extend from the
clamping means, the projecting keys being received in the first
recesses when the clamping means is in a first retracted position
and the projecting keys being received in the second recess when
the clamping means is in a second position projecting into the
axial passage.
Another aspect of the invention provides an electrical
wiring device comprising a main body having an outer wall and an
inner wall, the inner wall defining an axial passage for
receiving an electrical cord, and having a first clamping
surface. A movable clamping jaw has a second clamping surface
opposing the first clamping surface and is movable perpendicular
to the axial passage. Connecting means connects the movable
clamping jaw to the main body and applies clamping pressure to
an electrical cord passing through the axial passage. The main
body has a bore extending radially from the outer wall to the
inner wall; and clamping means, disposed in the radial bore is
axially and rotationally movable therein from a first retracted
position to a second extended position projecting from the
clamping face into the axial passage. The clamping means has a
first axial face for engaging an electrical cord in the axial
passage and a second axial face opposite the first axial face.
An annular collar extends radially from the clamping means
adjacent the first axial face; and at least one projecting key
extends axially from the annular collar toward the second axial
face. The bore includes an axial face spaced from the axial
passage, the axial face having at least one first recess for


CA 02177446 2004-04-27
_ 5 _

receiving the projecting key when the clamping mearis is in the
first retracted position, and at least one second recess, for
receiving the projecting key when the clamping_means is in the
second extended position with the axial face extending radially
into the axial passage. The clamping means and clamping jaw
engage a large diameter cord when the clamping means is in the
first retracted position and the clamping means and the clamping
jaw engage a smaller diameter cord'when the clamping means is in
the second extended position.

Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, which, taken in connection with the annexed
drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawincts
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this original
disclosure in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the electrical device
in partial cross-section showing the adjustable cable clamp in
the retracted position clamping a standard diameter cable;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view in partial cross-
section of the electrical device and projecting cable clamp
showing the fixed clamping jaw and the movable clamping device;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view in partial cross-section
of the electrical device showing the clamping device in the
extended position clamping a small diameter cable;


2177446
- 6 -

Figure 4 is a front side elevational view of the
electrical device showing a radial bore and recesses
therein with the movable clamping device removed;
Figure 5 is an end elevational view of the movable
clamping device showing the slot for receiving a tool;
Figure 6 is an end elevational view of the movable
clamping device showing the clamping face;
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view in partial
cross-section of the electrical device showing the movable
clamping device in the extended position;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view in partial
cross-section of the electrical device showing the movable
clamping device in the extended position;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view in partial
cross section of the electrical device showing the movable
clamping device in the retracted position;
Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view in partial
cross-section of the electrical device showing the movable
clamping device in the retracted position; and
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the movable clamping
law.

Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an eldcfrical
device for accommodating different sizes of electrical
cords, cables or conduits. Referring to Figures 1-10, the
electrical device in accordance with the invention is an
electrical connector 10 comprising a main body 12 having a
first fixed clamping jaw. 14, a second movable clamping jaw
16 for clamping an electrical cord 18, and a movable
clamping device 20. Movable clamping device 20 is mounted
for axial and rotational movement into and out of an axial
passage 22 extending axially between first and second
clamping jaws 14 and 16 and through main body 12. Clamping


~ 2177446

- 7 -

jaws 14 and 16 are connected together by a pair of screws
24 extending through movable clamping jaw 16 and into
threaded holes 26 in fixed clamping jaw 14. Screws 24 bias
movable clamping jaw 16 toward fixed clamping jaw 14 and
applies clamping or gripping pressure to electrical cord 18
between the clamping jaws 14, 16 with the cord extending
through the axial passage 22.
Electrical connector 10 is illustrated as being
attached to a bottom male electrical connector including
electrical blades or prongs 28 which is connected to a
female receptacle by inserting the prongs into the
receptacle in the conventional manner. In alternative
embodiments, the electrical connector 10 can be attached to
a female receptacle or a coupling for providing electrical
connection between two electrical cords. In preferred
embodiments, main body 12, clamping jaws 16 and 18, and
movable clamping device 20 are made from an insulating
plastic material.
Electrical cord 18 includes an outer insulating sheath
or covering which encloses at least one and preferably a
plurality of smaller insulated electrical conductors. The
insulated conductors have exposed ends for electrical
connection with prongs 28 in a conventional manner. - The
outer sheath of insulation on the cord is generally
sufficiently flexible to allow gripping by clamping jaws 14
and 16.
Main body 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical
outer wall 32 and an inner wall 34 defining axial passage
22. Main body 12 includes an upper surface 36 where
electrical cord enters axial passage 22 and a lower surface
38.
Fixed clamping jaw 14 is integrally formed with main
body 12 and extends upwardly from upper surface 36 as shown
in Figures 1 and 2. The contoured inner wall 40 of fixed


~ 2177446

8-
clamping jaw 14 is a continuation of inner wall 34 which
defines axial passage 22. In the embodiment shown, inner
wall 40 has a semi-circular shape defining clamping
surfaces 42 facing axial passage 22.
Fixed clamping jaw 14 includes a bore 44 extending
radially therethrough from the outer wall 46 to inner wall
40. Radial bore 44 is defined by a first portion 46
adjacent the outer wall of fixed clamping jaw 14 and an
inner portion 48 adjacent inner wall 40. An annular rib 50
positioned midway between inner wall 40 and the outer wall
extends radially inward to define a stop member for
limiting axial movement of movable clamping device 20 as
discussed hereinafter in greater detail. As shown in
Figures 1 and 2, second portion 48 of radial bore 44 has a
diameter greater than first-portion 46 and is separated by
an axial face 52 facing inwardly toward axial passage 22.
A plurality of first recesses 54 are formed in axial face
52 having a first depth. First recesses 54 include a
bottom surface 56, a first side wall 58 extending axially
with respect to the axis of radial bore 44 and an inclined
side wall 60.
Axial face 52 also includes a plurality of second
recesses 62 circumferentially spaced from first recesses 54
and having a second depth. As shown in Figure 2, the 2iepth
of second recesses 62 is less than the depth of first
recesses 54. In the embodiment shown, radial bore 44
includes three uniformly spaced-apart first recesses 54 and
three uniformly spaced-apart second recesses 62. In
preferred embodiments, second recesses 62 are adjacent
straight side wall 58 of first recesses 54.
First portion 56 of radial bore 44 also includes two
radially spaced-apart detents 64 and 66. Detent 64 is
formed as a groove extending axially from the bottom
surface of one of the second recesses 62 toward the upper


2177446
9 -

edge of fixed clamping jaw 14 and extends axially with
respect to inner wall 40 and axial passage 22. Detent 66
is also formed as a groove extending from bottom wall 56 of
first recess 54 and extends axially therefrom with respect
to inner wall 40 toward the upper edge of fixed clamping
jaw 14. As shown in Figure 4, inner portion 48 of radial
bore 44 includes an arcuate recessed area 67 extending
between detents 64 and 66.
Fixed clamping jaw 14 includes a planar face 68 for
opposing and mating with movable clamping jaw 16. Threaded
holes 26 extend into planar face 68 on each side of inner
wall 40. Frustoconical-shaped elements 70 surround
threaded holes 26 for aligning with complementary shaped
recesses 71 in movable clamping jaw 14.
Movable clamping device 20 includes a substantially
cylindrical body portion 72 having an annular stop member
74 adjacent outer axial face 76. An annular collar 78
adjacent inner axial face 80 extends radially outward from
body portion 72. A plurality of projecting keys 82 extend
from annular collar 78 in the axial direction toward outer
axial face 76. Projecting keys 82 include a flat end face
84, a straight side wall-86 and an inclined side wall 88.
In the embodiment illustrated, three projecting keys 82 are
uniformly spaced apart on annular collar 78 to coniplement
the first recesses 54 in axial face 52 of radial bore 44.
Preferably, projecting keys 82 are substantially the same
size as first recesses 54 to mate therewith. One of the
projecting keys 82 includes a projecting stop member 90
extending radially outward therefrom for mating with
detents 64 and 66 and slides in recess 67 between the
detents to limit the extent of rotation of movable clamping
device 20.
Inner axial face 80 of movable clamping device 20
includes an inner annular ridge 92 for engaging the


2177446
- 10 -

electrical cord 18. Annular collar 78 also includes an
outer annular ridge 94 extending from inner axial face 80
and being concentric with inner annular ridge 92. Outer
annular ridge 94 includes a first pair of arcuate recesses
96 spaced 180' apart. Recesses 96 have a radius to
complement a small diameter electrical cord. A second pair
of arcuate recesses 98 spaced 90' from first arcuate
recesses 96 are also provided on outer annular ridge 94.
Arcuate recesses 98 have a radius for complementing a large
electrical cord such that the depth of arcuate recess 98 is
greater than the depth of arcuate recess 96. Outer axial
face 76 of movable clamping device 20 includes a slot 100
for receiving a tool, such as a screwdriver, for rotating
movable clamping device 20 within radial bore 44 from a
first position where stop member 90 is received in detent
66 to a second position where stop member 90 is received in
detent 64.
Movable clamping jaw 16 is separable from main body 12
and is movable in a radial direction with respect to axial
passage 22 by threaded screws 24. Movable clamping jaw 16
includes a substantially planar face 102 which cooperates
with inner wall 40 of fixed clamping jaw 14, and conical
recesses 71 for seating frustoconical elements 70. Movable
clamping jaw 16 provides axial passage 22 with a variable
size for receiving different size electrical cords 18.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, planar face 102
includes three gripping ribs 104, 106 and 108 for gripping
electrical cord 18. First gripping rib 104 is positioned
adjacent the upper face 110 of movable clamping jaw 20 and
includes an arcuate surface 112 having a large radius for
complementing a large diameter electrical cord. Second
gripping rib 106 is spaced from first gripping rib 104 and
parallel thereto includes an arcuate face 114. Arcuate
face 114 has a radius slightly less than the radius of


~ . .
2177443
- 11 -

arcuate surface 112 for complementing a slightly smaller
electrical cord. Gripping rib 108 is positioned adjacent
lower face 116 of movable clamping device 20 and includes
an arcuate face 118. Arcuate face 118 has a radius
substantially the same as arcuate face 112. As shown in
Figure 11, arcuate faces 112, 114 and 118 are spaced from
face 102 the same distance. In this manner, movable
clamping jaw 20 is able to effectively grip electrical
cords of different diameters.
Electrical connector 10 is assembled by inserting
movable clamping device into radial bore 44 of first
clamping jaw 14. Movable clamping jaw 20 is pressed into
position in radial bore 44 from inner wall 40 and is
pressed into place until stop member 74 snaps over stop
member 50. Movable clamping device 20 is positioned such
that stop member 90 on projecting key 82 is positioned in
detent 66 and projecting keys 82 are seated in recesses 54
such that movable clamping device 20 is in a fully
retracted position with annular collar 78 contacting axial
face 52 of radial bore 44. When movable clamping device 20
is in the retracted position, large arcuate recesses 98 on
annular ridge 94 are axially aligned with axialpassage 22.
Movable clamping jaw 16 is then coupled to first clamping
jaw 14 by inserting screws 24 through the holes'in the
jaws. An electrical cord 18 is passed through axial
passage 22 to make the appropriate electrical connections
with prongs 28. Screws 24 are then tightened to apply
clamping forces between movable jaw 16 and fixed clamping
jaw 14. Electrical cord 18 is clamped between arcuate
recesses 98, inner annular ridge 92 on axial face 80 and
gripping ribs 104, 106 and 108 on movable clamping jaw 14.
A standard size electrical cord 18 is positioned in
electrical connector 10 which substantially fills the axial
passage 22 as shown in Figure 1. Annular ridges 92 and 94


2177446
12 -

on movable clamping device 20, first clamping surface 40,
and gripping ribs 104, 106 and 108 engage electrical cord
18 and form an impression in the outer casing by clamping
pressure. Electrical connector 10 is adapted for receiving
and effectively gripping an electrical cord having a
smaller outer diameter than a standard size electrical
cord. To accommodate a smaller size electrical cord 120 as
shown in Figure 3, movable clamping device 20 is rotated
90' until stop member 90 on projecting key 82 engages
detent 64. Stop member 90 frictionally engages arcuate
recess 67 during rotational movement of movable clamping
device 20. Stop member 90 snaps into detents 64 and 66 to
maintain movable clamping member 20 in the selected
position. As movable clamping device 20 is rotated,
inclined side wall 88 of projecting key 82 engages inclined
wall 60 of recess 54 to provide a camming action which
urges movable clamping device 20 axially and rotationally
toward axial passage 22. Stop member 50 in radial bore 44
engages stop member 74 of body portion 72 to limit the
inward axial movement of movable clamping device 20.
As shown in Figure 9, projecting key 82 of movable
clamping device 20 in a first position is initially seated
in recess 54. Rotating movable clamping device 20 in the
direction of arrow 120 cams projecting key 82 axially up
inclined wall 60. End face 84 of projecting key 82 then
slides along axial face 52 of radial bore 44 until
projecting key 84 seats into recess 62. Recess 62 is
shallow in comparison to recess 54, but is sufficiently
deep to positively engage projecting key 82 to resist
rotational movement. Stop member 90 is able to slide along
arcuate recess 67 as movable clamping device 20 moves
axially and rotationally. When movable clamping jaw 20 is
in the second position shown in Figure 8, arcuate recesses
96 on outer annular ridge 94 are axially aligned with axial


2177446
13 -

passage 22. As shown in Figure 3, the extended position of
movable clamping device 20 reduces the dimension of axial
passage 22. Electrical cord 120 is passed through axial
passage 22 and screws 24 are tightened to apply clamping
forces to movable clamping jaw 16 in the manner discussed
above.
Detents 64 and 66 and stop member 90 are positioned to
allow movable clamping device 20 to rotate about 90' to
selectively align either recess 96 or recess 98 with axial
passage 22 and to project axial face 80 into axial passage
22. As seen in Figure 2, each first recess 54 has a
cooperating second recess 62 at the rotational limits of
movable clamping member 20. Although the cooperating
second shallow recesses 62 are adjacent a deeper first
recess 54, projecting key 82 is prevented from rotating
past shallow recess 62 into the adjacent recess 62 by stop
member 90 snapping into detent 62.
While advantageous embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made therein without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2008-08-05
(22) Filed 1996-05-27
(41) Open to Public Inspection 1996-12-08
Examination Requested 2003-04-07
(45) Issued 2008-08-05
Expired 2016-05-27

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $0.00 1996-05-27
Registration of a document - section 124 $0.00 1996-08-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 1998-05-27 $100.00 1998-05-26
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 1999-05-27 $100.00 1999-05-05
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2000-05-29 $100.00 2000-05-02
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2001-05-28 $150.00 2001-04-30
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2002-05-27 $150.00 2002-05-08
Request for Examination $400.00 2003-04-07
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2003-05-27 $150.00 2003-05-16
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 8 2004-05-27 $200.00 2004-04-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 9 2005-05-27 $200.00 2005-05-12
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 10 2006-05-29 $250.00 2006-05-17
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 11 2007-05-28 $250.00 2007-05-16
Final Fee $300.00 2008-03-11
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 12 2008-05-27 $250.00 2008-05-15
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2009-05-27 $250.00 2009-05-06
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2010-05-27 $250.00 2010-04-29
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 15 2011-05-27 $450.00 2011-05-16
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 16 2012-05-28 $450.00 2012-05-04
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 17 2013-05-27 $450.00 2013-05-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 18 2014-05-27 $450.00 2014-05-23
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 19 2015-05-27 $450.00 2015-05-12
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Past Owners on Record
LUTZ, DAVID L.
SANDOR, JOHN L.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Claims 2007-07-12 10 298
Representative Drawing 1998-08-19 1 10
Abstract 1996-05-27 1 14
Description 1996-05-27 13 393
Cover Page 1996-05-27 1 12
Claims 1996-05-27 8 162
Drawings 1996-05-27 3 87
Description 2004-04-27 13 474
Claims 2004-04-27 8 261
Drawings 2004-04-27 5 188
Representative Drawing 2004-12-09 1 17
Abstract 2006-07-13 1 18
Claims 2006-07-13 10 268
Claims 2006-12-01 10 286
Cover Page 2008-07-21 1 47
Description 2008-08-04 13 474
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-07-12 2 63
Assignment 1996-05-27 9 551
Prosecution-Amendment 2003-04-07 1 35
Prosecution-Amendment 2004-04-27 15 625
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-06-05 1 28
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-07-13 7 162
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-10-31 1 31
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-12-01 5 122
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-06-13 1 31
Correspondence 2008-03-11 1 34